Applied Sociology (MA) — Admission Requirements

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions” section of this publication.

Candidates for admission to the MA program in Applied Sociology must provide evidence of ability to perform successfully at the graduate level. Such evidence includes:

1. A strong undergraduate record in sociology and related subjects, with at least a 3.0 GPA in sociology and related course work and, normally, an overall GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants who do not hold a BA in sociology should have at least 18 semester credits or the equivalent in undergraduate sociology or another behavioral or social science field related to program objectives.
   
   
2. Successful completion of one or more undergraduate courses in sociological theory, research methodology, and statistics. Candidates admitted to the program who are deficient in any of these areas may be required to take undergraduate courses in the Department of Sociology to be completed not later than the end of the second semester of residence in the program.
   
   
3. A statement of 1,200 words by the applicant on his or her academic and career interests in applied sociology. The statement should indicate the candidate’s current specialization interests (see “Additional Instructions for All Applicants” in the Graduate Admissions Application Instructions at the back of this publication).
   
   
4. A score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
   
   
5. Three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s interests who are qualified to evaluate his or her potential for sustained graduate study in applied sociology. When possible, at least one of the letters should be from a faculty member with whom the applicant is studying or has studied.
   

Candidates for admission interested in applying for a graduate assistantship should write to the director of the MA Program in Applied Sociology. Awards are made by the graduate program committee to qualified students who will be enrolling in six or more credits each semester. For complete information, see the “Assistantships and Financial Aid” section of this publication.